Glenn Davis previews #MTLvHOU

We preview tonight’s game at the Montreal Impact with Dynamo broadcaster Glenn Davis. Tonight’s match will air live on ROOT SPORTS SW Alternate Channel (channel guide) with the pregame show set for 6 p.m. CDT. and kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Davis, a former professional player can be seen on national soccer broadcasts on ESPN and FOX and hosts the Soccer Matters radio show. Look for more daily soccer content from Davis on his Soccer Matters Facebook page and Twitter.

Matt Pedersen: Montreal forward Didier Drogba, a legend with Chelsea and the Ivory Coast national team, is suspended for tonight’s game after receiving a red card at D.C. United last Sunday. How could his absence affect Montreal tonight?

Glenn Davis: I, for one, am sad that he is not playing tonight against the Dynamo. He has been magnificent at 38 years old and is a reminder that you can take older players in this league that are motivated, fit and still have it. What a draw he has been in Montreal. They will lose his hold up play and all-around leadership. He was the primary target for Ignacio Piatti and the two have struck a great partnership. I expect the Impact to start Matteo Mancuso, who is on loan from Bologna in the Serie A. You might also see Piatti paired with former Dynamo Dominic Oruro, who brings pace and is dangerous in a chaotic type of way.

MP: What are your thoughts on the influence of Montreal attacker Ignacio Piatti, who has 12 goals and five assists this season?

GD: Piatti is a playmaker, a goal scorer, a player that puts people in the Stade Saputo and one that brings you the possibility of seeing something unique. He is effective entertainment and I love watching him. Twelve goals and five assists says it all. He is involved and it will be fascinating to see him tonight without former Chelsea star Didier Drogba as his foil.

MP:What would you like to see from Dynamo tonight?

GD: A road win, a marriage between the good defending they have provided, and a bump up in the danger category on the attack.

MP: The Dynamo traded longtime attacker Giles Barnes to Vancouver last Saturday in a move that gives the club significant flexibility to add to the roster. What did you think of the trade?

GD: The move was made to create cap space and provide funds to find "difference makers." The Dynamo now have cash to get that done and GM Matt Jordan said he wants to accomplish that by the start of next season. Fans were confused by the move, but must focus on player performance. Were you getting enough from one of your highest paid players? Giles is highly talented, can be electric, was a fan favorite and was marketed heavily, so the reaction to him being moved was expected. From my standpoint he would always accommodate my radio show and for that I am grateful. If he becomes consistent he can move in to the upper echelon of players in MLS, but not until then.

MP: What do you think of the Dynamo’s last three signings: Yair Arboleda, José Escalante and Keyner Brown, each of whom is age 24 and under?

GD: These are all basically trials for the Dynamo to get to know these players in training and in games.I expect we will see them in MLS competition. Arboleda brings pace and some rawness, which the Dynamo hope to harness. Escalante and Brown both have experience that the Dynamo will hope translates to MLS.